September 15, 2008

The Honorable Peter J. Daley, Chairman

House Commerce Committee

PO Box 202049

Harrisburg, PA 17120-2049

SUBJECT:  House Bill 2600

Dear Chairman Daley:

Thank you for the opportunity to submit written testimony to the House Commerce Committee concerning House Bill 2600, the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement Act (PHARE), and the establishment of a State Housing Trust Fund.

Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania (LAMPa) is a partnership ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and its agencies and institutions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its mission is to advocate in both public and private sectors of society on behalf of, and in partnership with, those persons who are denied justice, dignity, reconciliation, peace, and access to basic human rights, and who lack adequate representation and voice in the arenas of public policy.

The ELCA, in its message on homelessness, expresses its firm belief that having access to an affordable home is indeed a basic human right.  Therefore, we are deeply concerned about the lack of quality, affordable housing options available to low-wage working people, single parents, seniors, and people with disabilities.  We are troubled by the fact that the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA), Home Ownership Choice, and Penn Homes all have more clients than they can handle and waiting lists that grow every day.  However, we are encouraged that the General Assembly is taking the first of many steps to address these matters with the establishment of a trust fund that will help preserve and produce affordable housing options for the vulnerable, families, and our workforce.

Poverty/Hunger is one of LAMPa’s two top public policy priorities.  We believe the establishment of a housing trust fund, which would allow for increased building and rehabilitation of affordable homes, is a crucial step in helping people in their journey from poverty to self sufficiency.  Currently, many Pennsylvanians are paying more than 30% of their income towards the cost of housing.  Because of this, families are often forced to forgo health care, nutritious food, and other basic necessities.  Improving access to affordable homes in areas where employment opportunities are also easily accessible is essential to fighting poverty and combating hunger. 

We are grateful for the committee’s consideration of this important legislation.  We hope that the committee will move forward with House Bill 2600 so that the Governor will be prepared to include a ten million dollar appropriation into the budget for FY 09-10 for the newly established Housing Trust Fund.

Sincerely,

The Rev. Neil P. Harrison

Executive Director